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The month of waiting is nearly up. During this time, you have prepared for the grand ball in which Mordrax will spring his coup. You have positioned allies and minions in key places throughout the capital city of Highvale and beyond, maneuvered valuable assets and gathered key pieces of intelligence. With the aid of your new enemy-turned-ally, the Witch Hunter, and his mysterious organization of which your younger brother Rainard is a member, you have a very clear picture of what is going to happen.

Their organization, like you, has moved their assets into the city. For now, they are all silent, waiting for the moment to strike. Your cult, warriors and minions are hidden in the shadows, sometimes operating in plain sight as normal citizens, and you don't doubt that their assets are doing the same. You will meet with them soon in secret in order to better plan the counterattack and coordinate with your brother, the only member of your family you don't expect to meet and kill.

But more importantly than that, more important than even the management of your realm of Aran, is your own growing power. You have merged with fragments of your ancestor's shattered mind, piecing together her memories, and through them learning new spells and abilities. An entire new school of magic has opened up to you, which you started learning with the moongate spell: lunar magic. You now wield powers and spells that have only been glimpsed throughout the ages since the first human-elf war ten thousand years ago.

You are not finished, however. There is still more work to be done. You have done well in drawing power from your elven blood, but you are not fully an elf. There is power to be found on the other half of your lineage, which you have discovered through painstaking research in the Lost Library in the Umbral Citadel. Through this research, you have discovered the location of the tomb of an ancient human lord who led mankind against the elves, even though he sired history's first half-elf through the ancestor whose memories you inherited. You will travel to this tomb and unearth the powers locked within, and beneath that tomb lies an even greater treasure... the tomb of the Demiurge, the first human to ever wield the power of magic.

There is business to attend to, first. In these precious few days before you confront your former master, you find yourself trembling with anticipation. The time is nearly here and it is easy to get lost in imagining the look upon Mordrax's face when you reveal yourself to him and annihilate him. You've spent so long hungering for his death, for his suffering, that it is difficult to focus on other matters... and yet, focus on them you must.

>Which scene shall we play out first?

>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts
>Ben testing himself against Krom
>Revealing our secret identity to Alex and giving him a disguise
>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo

>>3094153
>Ben testing himself against Krom
Gotta make sure our champion is in top shape.

>>3094153
>Revealing our secret identity to Alex and giving him a disguise

Headpats for Alex!

>>3094153
>Revealing our secret identity to Alex and giving him a disguise

>>3094153
>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts

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>>3094172
>>3094173

At Cliffbrooke Manor, you pull Alex away from his studies and sit him down in your room alongside you. With your arm around his shoulder and your other hand holding his, you look down at him with a conflicted expression. His beaming smile fades as he sees the look in your eyes.

"What is it, Mary? Is something wrong?"

"Alex... you've become very dear to me. In many ways, you are like a son."

He blushes. "Well, y-yes, I know that..."

You lean down and press your forehead against his soft hair. "I truly want to be your mother. I've already given you a home, a chance to pursue your quest, and guidance. It seems like there is nothing more that I can give to you."

He hugs you tightly, burying his face in your arm. "You don't have to give me anything else, mommy. I love you."

You run your hand though his hair and let out a sigh. "That's not true, Alex. I can give you the truth."

Pulling back, he looks up at you, confused. "What? W-what do you mean?"

With a sad expression, you get off the bed and kneel in front of him, taking his hands in yours. "I've lied to you, Alex. To many people. I did so out of necessity... or at least, so I thought. The truth is that it tortured me so, to hide in plain sight, when all I wanted was to let people know who I truly am. Like you."

He is quiet for a moment, his young face running through a series of confused expressions. "You... you're not really who you said you are?"

"I'm so sorry, Alex. I'm not. The truth is that I was accused of a terrible crime I did not commit, and was forced into exile and hiding. The entire country was seeking me out for a time. I was forced into adopting a disguise, a new identity... Mary Beaumont." Before he can reply, you tightly grip his hands and say to him in a desperate tone, "But you must understand, Alex, that I only ever lied about my true identity. Every bit of love and affection I've shown you was real and genuine. Everything I said about wanting to be your mother was nothing but the truth."

He is conflicted; that much is evident from his face. Finally, he asks, "Who are you really, then?"

You close your eyes and dispell your magic. Your hair turns raven-black, lengthening into long, straight locks. Your eyes turn a brilliant shade of blue, your skin fair, and your feautures even more lovely than before. He gasps as you reveal yourself to him.

"My true name is Sirena Le Doux."

"The... the one... who b-betrayed the royal family?"

"I was wrongly accused," you explain to him. "My former master, the wicked wizard Mordrax, wants to take over the kingdom. He was nearly caught, but shifted the blame onto me. It forced me into hiding and taking on a new identity."

His eyes widen. "Oh..."

>Let him ask his own questions
>Implore him to help you end Mordrax's evil
>Explain that some of the others knew; Ben, Merriam, etc.
>Use some enthralling magic to ensure he doesn't react negatively
>Other

>>3094212
>Let him ask his own questions

Maybe reveal our true (not green) form

>>3094212
>Let him ask his own questions

>>3094212
>Let him ask his own questions

>Implore him to help you end Mordrax's evil

>>3094212
>>Let him ask his own questions

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>>3094218
>>3094221
>>3094229
>>3094247

You patiently wait for him to come to terms with the ton of bricks you just dropped, and so you merely meet his gaze in silence until he speaks. "You're not a bad person?"

"What does your heart say?" you ask him in a pleading tone.

"I want to believe you, but..." His lip quivers. "It... You had no choice, right?"

"That's right," you insist. "I'm sorry I lied to so many people, especially you, but I had to."

"I don't know if I can call you by your real name," he admits. "I've known you only as Mary..."

"Well, I'm still Mary. I've never stopped being Mary. It's just that I only recently started being Mary, if you understand my meaning."

"I do," he nods. "But to think of you as... Sirena Le Doux..."

"You don't have to, if you don't want to," you say, reapplying your spell and resuming your apperance as Mary. "But I wanted you to know the truth, Alex. Because you should also know that I intend on facing him and putting an end to his evil."

"But he's the court wizard!"

"I know. He's powerful, very powerful, but I must stop him." Though your true motivation is revenge, you cleverly frame your motivation in a different light. "He's going to go through with his plan to take over the country and murder the royal family. I can't let that happen."

His eyes go wide. "I can't either! The stability the royal family brought, ending the war, has afforded centuries of peace!"

"And yet, he will be in the capital," you explain, and you see Alex's shoulder's slump as he realizes what that means. Even so, you hammer it home, adding, "The church is looking for you there..."

"I know... But I can't let you go without my magic to help protect you!" He hugs you tightly. "I can't lose you. I love you!"

You run a hand through his hair and smile. "I love you too. Thankfully, I already know of a way..."

With a simple spell, you change his hair to a dark brown color, along with his eyes and some facial features. When you pull back to examine your work, he now looks just like the spitting image of Mary.

You run a hand gingerly across his cheek. "My son... Phillip Beaumont..."

He looks over in a mirror and gasps. "But... I would have to lie..."

You turn his head to face you. "It's for the greater good, and we would share in the lie. You'll be my son, and I your mother. No one will be the wiser."

Slowly, he nods, accepting the plan. "Okay... I'll do it, for you and for the kingdom."

You smile and give him a small kiss for a reward, along with a pat on the head. "Good boy."

>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts
>Ben testing himself against Krom
>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries

>>3094255
>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts

>>3094255
>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts

>>3094255
>>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts

>>3094255
>>Testing out your new lunar powers and magical artifacts

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>>3094259
>>3094262
>>3094266
>>3094275

We have unlocked several new lunar spells and elemental abilities, along with the artifacts we received in tribute from our cults. How should we test them?

>Undead targets
>Captured shadow demons
>Sparring match with Faye
>Training with minions
>Other

>>3094283
>Undead targets

>>3094283
>>Undead targets
>Sparring match with Faye

>>3094283
>Undead targets

>>3094301
>>3094304
>>3094305

Can I get a series of 1d100 rolls, just for fun?

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>3094349

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>3094349

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>3094349

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>>3094363
>>3094367
>>3094368

In an arena beneath the Umbral Citadel, you test yourself against a series of undead opponents. With no shortage of corpses, you have all the resources you need to bring out your new abilities.

Your new shield spell, Lunar Aura, projects a sphere of protection around you. The undead are unable to penetrate it. With a wave of your hand, you use your new Moon Beam spell and swipe across the field with your laser-like projectile, blasting several of them.

New corpses filter into the arena. Summoning up a pair of crescent blades, you whip them at a pair and slice them in half, then cause the curved blades to boomerang back around and cut down three more. As you catch them and dispell the blades, you decide to test out your lunar lances, switching out the crescents for polearms. You stab them into a corpse and then let go, launching him away after aiming him at one of his peers. The lances impale him as well and stick them both to the wall.

You trap one of the undead in a cage of light, then summon a golem made of moonrock. Tall and lithe, with long arms, the golem rampages and destroys several undead before you banish it, satisfied in its capabilities.

Next, you create a field of shooting stars, painting the arena ceiling with points of light that you begin to shoot at your targets. You follow this up with three lunar bombs, small spheres of energy that you detonate when the undead draw near.

You giggle with glee as you summon a chunk of moonrock, shaping it into a sphere. With a gust of powerful wind, you push it and cause it to roll over and crush some of the undead. You now unleash the remainder of your new wind powers, using razor-sharp bursts of wind to cut new victims down before gathering them in a cyclone and depositing them onto the floor.

For your final act, you use your newest and strongest lunar power to create a sphere of crushing gravity around the last undead group, which begins to compress them inwards as it shrinks, destroying them utterly.

Satisfied, you now turn your attention to your external sources of power, the items given to you in tribute from your cults.

>1d100s, please.

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>3094410

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3094410

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3094410

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>3094410

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>>3094425
>>3094426
>>3094428
>>3094452

With the new horde approaching, you touch your new necklace and unleash a hail of summoned swords upon them. The glowing blue blades pierce their rotting flesh, taking down three of them while the others advance with their wounds.

Next, you hold aloft your hand and use the power of the wind dragon ring, pointing the blue gem at the nearest zombie. With a thrust of your fist you create a small sonic punch, blasting out his chest and showering the floor with foul-smelling entrails. His body falls down next as you admire the wonderful ring.

Finally, you hold aloft the Silver Scepter of Spirits and call forth your own undead army. The spirits of Aran flood into the arena, washing over the remaining undead and slamming them into the floors and walls. Several of your spirits carry the undead upwards, then drop them, or push them down towards the floor. Either way, your spirits effectively finish off the remainder of your test dummies.

The rest of your gifts were mostly passive in nature, either defensive or meant to aid in infiltration, but there is one you wish you could plunge into Mordrax's chest right now: the dagger of bloodletting. You remember well the claim that when plunged into any heart, no matter the size or strength of the creature, it would instantly die.

'Soon, Mordrax,' you think with a gleeful grin. 'Very, very soon...'

You wipe the sweat from your brow and go to the baths to wash off the stink of your undead practice targets. Fun, but nowhere near as satisfying as it will be to finally wipe the scum that is your former master off the face of the planes...

>Ben testing himself against Krom
>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries
>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

>>3094569
>>Ben testing himself against Krom

>>3094569
>>Ben testing himself against Krom

>>3094569
>>Ben testing himself against Krom

Who the fuck are you people

>>3094569
>>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

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>>3094573
>>3094598
>>3094621

"RAAAAAAAAGH!"

Ben charges valiantly at Krom. The seven-foot-tall barbarian demigod stands there with his arms folded and a smirk on his square jaw as he looks down at Ben with an amused expression. The two of them are in an arena of wooden spikes and massive dinosaur bones, and you are seated upon a throne reserved for honored guests. You must admit, the tribal motif of these amazon villagers is delightful, with colorful works of beads and woven tapestries, necklaces of teeth and other bones, great rows of burning torches and comfortable seats cushioned with leaves from the tropical trees. You're even drinking out of a human skull! The beautiful sun, the roaring waves crashing against the beach, what a delightful vacation!

Not so much for Ben, however. The young warrior finishes his charge with a mighty swing which Krom easily sidesteps, then with a simple shove puts Ben on the ground, the thirteenth or so time this has happened. Ben attempts to go for Krom's legs, but he simply lifts up his boot and plants it on his chest.

"Give up, boy."

"Never!" Ben grunts, struggling to get out.

Krom looks up at you and smiles. "Is this all you could send against me?"

"He's a work in progress," you say as you sip from the skull.

"He's not lacking in spirit," Krom says, leaning down and picking Ben up by his leg. He turns in place and hurls him aside, throwing him at the ground. He rolls along in the dirt, completely ruining his shiny armor. Ben coughs and pushes himself to look up at the demigod.

"Damn," he mutters, pushing himself to stand up. He goes to reach for his sword, which he doesn't have. Krom advances upon him and kicks him in the chest, sending him flying back.

In a way, you feel pity for the boy. But this is going to help him in the long run. Ben's never faced an opponent who so utterly, completely outclasses him. He's always had others to rely on, like you or one of your other minions. As you watch Krom pick Ben up by the neck, the farmboy tries to punch Krom in the jaw.

His reward is several punches that are not meant to kill, only to make an impact. And judging from Ben's face, they certainly do. You're glad Merriam isn't here to see this.

One of the amazonian menfolk is standing over you, providing shade with a large leaf and gently fanning you. You hold the skull out to him, bidding him wordlessly to bring you some more of that delightful coconut-and-blood cocktail. These locals know a thing or two, even you can admit that.

As Krom lays another smackdown on Ben, this time putting him in a brutal wrestling hold, you lie back and enjoy the tropical breeze.

>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries
>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

>>3094634
>>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

>>3094634
>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

>>3094634
>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

>>3094634
>>Amanda assisting with the paladins of the First Faith

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>>3094666
>>3094669
>>3094675
>>3094684

In a way, it is truly a relief to be able to walk the streets of Highvale once more. This was your home once; the grand spires, the nobles, the beautiful rows of carefully-trimmed gardens. And yet your experiences have also allowed you to look beyond, at the simpler things, and appreciate their place in your life. These thoughts are fleeting, however, for you have a mission to accomplish.

You sent Amanda here to the capital to gather intelligence on the paladins of the First Faith. As a former high-ranking member, she holds considerable sway, almost as much sway as you have over her. When she meets with you in secret she tells you everything she knows. Their leader, Sigmund Venstroyer, has just returned from another successful hunt of the profane somewhere in the south, apparently conquering against a tribe of desert bandits. Sigmund and his paladins are the greatest tool in the church's tool-filled shed, and having them here in the capital could be either a boon or a burden.

On the one hand, they are excellent fighters. On the other hand, you don't know what roll they will play in the battle to come. Though allied with the crown, the church is technically its own entity, and may remain out of the power play. Whether or not Sebastian Ignus Oberhan knows of the coming attack, he and the First Faith may be an unknown element.

>Have Amanda take the paladins northeast to counter the attack you are planning in Binulia; you'll play both sides
>Amanda will send off some of the paladins but keep a few here to assist on your side during the attack
>Keep all of the paladins in the city when the attack comes; Amanda will help guide them against Modrax's forces
>Give Amanda the intel you have on the undead army so as to distract the paladins with that threat
>Other

>>3094742
>>Keep all of the paladins in the city when the attack comes; Amanda will help guide them against Modrax's forces

>>3094742
>Keep all of the paladins in the city when the attack comes; Amanda will help guide them against Modrax's forces

>>3094742
>>Give Amanda the intel you have on the undead army so as to distract the paladins with that threat

>>3094742
>Give Amanda the intel you have on the undead army so as to distract the paladins with that threat

>>3094742
>>Keep all of the paladins in the city when the attack comes; Amanda will help guide them against Mordrax's forces

>>3094742
>Keep all of the paladins in the city when the attack comes; Amanda will help guide them against Modrax's forces
No matter who attempts it, the paladins will not harbor any plot against the throne.

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>>3094749
>>3094756
>>3094803
>>3094811

You warn Amanda of the coming attack, giving her all the details she'll need for her end of things. Without revealing your true identity just yet, you inform her of the coming attack on the throne and for her to ready every paladin she can.

"If need be, focus on protecting the people in the streets," you inform her. "But if you can get an invitation to that ball... do it."

"There truly is going to be an attempt on the throne? From within? Will we be able to stop it in time?"

"Trust me... when they make their move, you'll know it."

You send her on her way with her instructions and a magical kiss for good measure.

>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army
>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm

>>3094824
>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo

Good thing we got her under our control

>>3094824
>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo

>>3094824
>>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo

>>3094824
>>Finalizing the trade contract with Faye and Angelo

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>>3094834
>>3094835
>>3094839
>>3094852

Walking into the conference room, you sit down next to Faye. Across the table from you is Angelo DeVille, smoking a thin cigar and drinking a glass of fiery bourbon. He tips his glass in your direction and gives you his usual winning smile.

"Sirena! The rumors of your demise were greatly exaggerated. I cannot tell you how positively pleased I am to see that."

"You've got ears in the capital, then?"

"A good little devil has ears everywhere," he says, taking a small puff. "I must say, with Mordrax making his move soon, you must be exhausted. You look like it. Running everywhere, this way and that, gettin' ready for your big day?"

You frown. "You know of Mordrax's plans?"

"I'm one of the few who have picked up the extra-planar chatter. One of his minions let it slip and the word is making its way around to the interested parties. Of course, I'm interested in anything and everything."

"Then you'll be interested in our revised contract," you say, and Faye slides it across the table. Angelo picks it up and scans it over.

After a moment, he sets it down. "I don't suppose I can blame you for wanting to go about it like this. Did you get Utai to revise this? His style is all over it."

Faye nods. "He's very thorough, but very fair in his price."

"Damn three-eyed monks," Angelo says, setting the contract down. "Alright. I'm game. But first," he says as he summons his pen, "do tell me, my sweet Sirena, what do you plan to do after you've gotten what you want?"

"All I want is Mordrax's head."

He chuckles darkly. "Oh, of course, of course... but, if I may pose a suggestion, feed a little worm in your ear if you would... you'll be 'removing' that obstacle at a prime and opportune time, if I do say so myself."

Faye looks over at you. "I think I see where he's going with this."

"So do I," you reply, leaning forward. "You mean getting rid of Mordrax and then immediately doing what he was going to do anyway."

Angelo shrugs. "I didn't say anything one way or the other; just that it would be a moment rife with... opportunity. The right kinds of friends could help someone properly take advantage of such an opportunity, you know."

"I think the royal family would have a thing or two to say about that, don't you?"

His brow slowly rises. "They would... if they were in a position to say something."

You stare back at him, maintaining a neutral expression. In spite of your usual harsh demeanor towards devils and their antics, he is indeed feeding the worm in your ear. You'll be in a position to save or condemn the royal family, intentionally or not. And if they were to end up dead, even through you not being able to save them in time, and with Mordrax dead, the power would be up for grabs...

>I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
>I don't intend on ruling an arcane empire. Not yet.
>I plan on taking control after I kill him, yes.
>I'll take every opportunity that comes my way when it comes.
>Other

>>3094868
>I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

>>3094868
>I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

If we are to become ruler. It will be from behind the throne type of thing. Maybe we can marry Ben off to a princess as well

>>3094868
>>I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

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>>3094875
>>3094887
>>3094893

"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, Angelo. And not a moment sooner."

He holds up his palms. "I can appreciate your practicality. Either way, I wish you well, strictly as one professional to another, and now..." he says as he signs the contract, "...from one business partner to another."

He slides it back across the table, gives a small bow, and takes his leave.

Faye is giddy with excitement. "We did it! We made a good deal with a devil! Aran is sure to prosper now."

You take her hand and smile. "I couldn't have done it without you, Faye."

Her eyes shine. "Really?"

"No, of course I could have. You're me. But the important thing is that we did it together."

She scoffs. "Well, I'm better at summoning and travelling the planes anyway. You're better at, you know, other stuff."

Standing up with her, the two of you walk arm-in-arm down the halls of your citadel. "That may be, but I'll need your help when I finally confront Mordrax."

"You know I'll be there at your side," she says, cuddling up to your arm. "How could I be anywhere but where my better half is getting what she wants most in the world?"

"And afterwards, when we find a way to your home dimension, we'll kill your former master as well."

She laughs. "Oh yes, of course! That'll be quite the experience. I wonder if their actions are synchronized? Perhaps we stop him in this reality, but he succeeds in the one I came from because I am not there to prevent it."

"It matters little. He won't be expecting us, just as Mordrax doesn't know that I yet live."

"What do you think he's doing with your body?"

"I shudder at the notion... Just another reason to kill him."

>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army
>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor

>>3094935
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries

>>3094935
>>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries

>>3094935
>Checking in on Amber's efforts to recruit mercenaries

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>>3094938
>>3094939
>>3094940
We'll be resuming tomorrow. Goodnight.

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>>3094938
>>3094939
>>3094940

The Mercenary Guild Hall is rife with activity. As you slip in through its back entrance, you find Amber near the front desk with her chief lieutenant, Frederick, currently in talks with a group of rough-looking men. All around them, other men and women, mercenaries all, gather around tables to talk, drink and play cards.

You put a hand on Amber's shoulder and lean down to her ear, whispering that you would like to speak with her. She excuses herself and walks into the back office with you, a small room with few furnishings due to how little Amber conducts business within it.

"How many so far?" you ask her.

"We've got thirty-two. Twenty-seven men, five women, all of them ready to take a big job. You sure you've got the cash to cover all of their fees?"

"Trust me. I'm in with the high elven nobility."

"Right, of course. I don't think we'll get many more. I'm interviewing a group of six out there now, which would bring us to just under forty. All bringing their own weapons, equipment and skills, naturally."

"You've done well. This guild hall has certainly served its purpose."

"They're getting a bit antsy, though. It would help if I could tell them what the job entails. Would keep the town authorities off my hide, too. They don't like so many mercenaries in one place."

"I'll speak with the mayor and get him to call them off. Don't worry, he trusts me completely. As for the job..."

>I want the mercenaries positioned in the capital, on the streets
>I want the mercenaries positioned outside the capital
>I want the mercenaries positioned on the docks of the capital
>I want the mercenaries sent northeast to aid in the attack on Binulia
>Other

>>3095401
>I want the mercenaries sent northeast to aid in the attack on Binulia
Mercs in the capitual are a bit too much of a tipoff.

>>3095401
>outside the capital
They'll keep in the back to scout and attack enemy reinforcements.
Having standard adventureres participate in a raid is not good for our image.

>>3095401
>I want the mercenaries sent northeast to aid in the attack on Binulia

>>3095401
>I want the mercenaries sent northeast to aid in the attack on Binulia

>>3095401
>I want the mercenaries sent northeast to aid in the attack on Binulia

We also gotta look into protection from ritual magic, like Voodoo and shit that could be linked to us through our dead body. Get some help from Francis for that.

Just in case Mordrax wanted to obliterate our spirit or something.

Or alternatively it would be nice to attack him through our corpse.

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>>3095409
>>3095453
>>3095472
>>3095479

"They're going northeast, to assist in a border skirmish against the country of Binulia."

"Binulia? What for? I mean, we're not at war with them or anything."

"It's political in nature, but they are mercenaries, yes? As long as they are being paid, their target doesn't matter."

"True, but everyone has standards."

You lean in close. "And, of course, you'll be paid for your services as well in finding and organizing them. Very handsomely, might I add."

She frowns, but her mercenary nature can't refuse such an offer. "Well, I trust you. I know you know what you're doing. Just don't start a war, alright?"

"It's a mere border skirmish in support of a nothern barbarian power that I seek to gain some influence with. Fret not."

Amber folds her arms. "You're getting pretty heavily involved in this sort of thing now, huh? Power struggles and foreign affairs?"

"I'm building up to it. In the meantime, all you need to worry about is getting me as many mercenaries as you can, and I'll handle the rest, including your generous payment."

She relents. "Alright, Mary. Ben isn't going to be part of this, is he?"

"I promise you he won't be. This business is completely divorced from us and our circle of friends. I wouldn't want to put you or them in harm's way so far away in a situation like this." You run a hand down the back of her head to her shoulder and give her a warm smile. "Trust me."

After a moment, she blushes and nods. "Alright. I understand. Thanks for being honest with me."

She leaves the office to return to the negotiation table. You smirk to yourself; even though you never branded her, she's easy enough to manipulate. These mercenaries will be most useful indeed...

>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army
>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor
>Bruut and the river pirates on Urist's ship

>>3095788
>>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm

>>3095788
>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm

>>3095788
>>Brutus settling in at Cutter Farm

>>3095788
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

>>3095788
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

Sorry for the delay; D&D day. We'll be resuming with an update shortly.

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>>3095796
>>3095801
>>3095806

It has been a long time since you first sat at the dinner table in the Cutter Household. Whereas once you were on the run and in hiding, now you are nearly prepared to completely regain what you lost. Of course, quite a few other things have changed around here since then; notably and chiefly, Brutus. He has a place here at the table, along the long edge, since he takes up more than half of the table's available space based on his sheer size alone.

Fred and Todd, once small little devils of misbehaved children, are actually well-behaved due to his influence. The family dog, Max, is curled up at Brutus' hooves. Grandpa Mark has come around and welcomes him as a member of the family, but not nearly as much as Jan, Ben and Merriam's mother. Brutus, with his size and strength, has taken the entire workload of the mill easily, and through him they have found much-needed stability in the wake of the death of the Cutter patriarch Jon, especially since Jed took over as mayor of Bridge Town.

Jan in particular has taken a strong liking to Brutus, beyond that of a mere friend. Though heavily pregnant with the late Jon's child, she has come to see Brutus as a new person to spend her life with, a relationship that grew slowly but steadily due to the initial wariness brought about by the species barrier. The minotaur proved himself several times over throughout his time here at the farm, especially in reigning in her misfit children.

You watch as she places a hot meal in front of both you and Brutus before giving him a kiss on the cheek. The old bull blushes bashfully and thanks her, before looking back up at you with a serious expression. "You mentioned you need my help?"

"It may be difficult and dangerous," you tell him.

"You gave me a new chance at life," he says in a somber tone, looking at his new family. "I would do what you ask. I trust that you know best."

>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town
>I want you to travel to the capital and stand with us against the wizard
>I want you to travel northeast, to help in an attack on a foreign nation
>I want you to travel to the capital and help my allies protect the people
>Other

>>3097745
>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town

Do we have any gear we could give him ?

>>3097745
>I want you to travel to the capital and help my allies protect the people
You've done so much for the Cutters, and now we ask you to do the same for so many more.

>>3097745
>I want you to travel to the capital and help my allies protect the people

>>3097745
>>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town

I think this is much more important, I'd rather he not get killed

>>3097745
>>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town

>>3097745
>>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town

>>3097745
>I want you to stay here and help protect both the Cutters, Digger Mine and Bridge Town

>>3098125
We've cultivated these people in order to use them.

What a waste to leave Brutus here.

>>3097745
>I want you to travel to the capital and help my allies protect the people

>>3098240
True

>>3097745
>I want you to travel to the capital and help my allies protect the people

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>>3097749
>>3097753
>>3097940
>>3098125
>>3098127
>>3098130
>>3098164
>>3098456
>>3098509

It's very narrow, but it is five to four for leaving Brutus in Bridge Town, so here he will remain.

>===

"All I want is for you to remain here," you tell him, putting your hand on his. "Keep the Cutters safe, along with Bridge Town and Digger Mine. I do not know if anything bad will happen, but just in case, you will be its safeguard."

He nods. "I understand. I won't let any harm come to this region, you have my word."

Todd and Fred hop up and down in place, excited by how big and strong Brutus is and the prospect of seeing him fight. He gives them a stern look and they go back to eating their vegetables. Jan walks over and puts her hands on his broad shoulders and gives you a concerned look. "You're certain nothing will happen to Bridge Town?"

"I am now that Brutus will be watching over it," you say with a confident smile.

"Just be careful," she says to him before taking her place at the table. He reaches over and pulls out her chair, helping her sit due to her pregnant state, then pushes it back in so that everyone may eat.

You dig into the simple but hearty meal as you consider your next move.

>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor
>Bruut and the river pirates on Urist's ship
>Supremia seducing Talindra

>>3098783
>>Bruut and the river pirates on Urist's ship

>>3098783
>Bruut and the river pirates on Urist's ship

>>3098783
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

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>>3098790
>>3098791

Popping onto the steamboat captained by the dwarf Urist, aptly named the Fist of Urist, you step onto its deck and admire the craft that has gone into turning it into what could only be described as a battleship. Armor plating, cannons, ballistas and an engine that is allowing it to travel south at an astonishing pace. You lean on the deck railing as you take in the sight of the flowing river.

Bruut walks down the deck and gets a smile on his face, leaning on the railing alongside you. "'Ey there, sweetstuff. Long time no see."

"Charmed as always, Bruut."

"Oy, that's me, a regular charmer, eh? An' this 'ere fancy new boat is really sumthin'. Maybe you an' me can go 'below deck' and I'll show you my captain's log, eh?"

A small wrench is thrown at him, which dents his helmet. The dwarf Urist storms up. "I already told ye, I'm the captain on this here tub! Damn ship's got my name on it, ya thick-headed half-green!"

Bruut growls and goes for his hammer, but you placate him instantly with a hand on his chest. "He's right, Bruut. This is Urist's ship and his command. Remember who you take orders from."

His bluster fades in the face of your soothing voice, beautiful face and fantastic chest, which he stares at for a moment. "Yeah... What're we doin' at the capital, anyway?"

"You'll be positioned at the docks for when I need you. I may have need of you to attack someone, or evacuate key individuals."

He nods. "We gettin' some good loot outta dis? Maybe some more girlies, eh?"

You give him a disarming smile and pat him on the chest. "We'll see."

>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor
>Supremia seducing Talindra
>Merriam's friends

>>3098903
>>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

>>3098903
>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

>>3098903
>>Sir Yorick going off to infiltrate the undead army

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>>3098911
>>3098926
>>3098986

Alex stands by your side with your hand on his shoulder. He is in his new disguise as Phillip Beaumont, your son, and together the two of you are seeing off Sir Yorick.

With his immunity to illusion magic and forms of enthralldom, you can't very well bring him to the capital without causing a small panic. The last thing you want to do is get the paladins involved. With that being the case, you've elected to send him off into the swamp to infiltrate the undead army of the three brothers: Albert, Vincent and Herbert.

A worried look paints Alex's face, but Sir Yorick is nothing short of enthusiastic for this assignment. "Fret not, little one! My spirit is too great for any necromancer to dominate. I'll spy on them from the inside and when the time is right, we will vanquish them all!"

"If you're certain," he says. "I just hope nothing bad happens to you, Sir Yorick. You're my only living ancestor. Ah, well, that is to say..."

He laughs. "I understand what you meant, my boy! Trust me, I've been on plenty of adventures in my lifetime. It's about time I had one during my deathtime!"

Alex chuckles at the undead knight's joke as the armored skeleton turns around and faces the swamp. "Well, off I go. Take care of him, won't you Mary?"

"Of course I will."

"Then I am off!" He takes off at a light pace, fearlessly treading towards the swamp. You kneel alongside Alex and rub the top of his head, slightly disheveling his new dark hair.

"Don't worry. He'll be fine, I promise."

"I'm just worried that with how much he likes to talk, he'll give himself away."

"I think he'll know when to stop talking." You take him by the hand and lead him out of the clearing, back towards Bridge Town. "Besides, I doubt many of the undead in that army will make for very good conversation."

>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor
>Supremia seducing Talindra
>Merriam's friends
>Captain Eristan and the Queen's Avarice

>>3098990
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor

>>3098990
>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor

>>3098990

>>3098990
>Supremia seducing Talindra

>>3098990
>>Jenna moving in at Cliffbrooke Manor

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>>3098993
>>3098998
>>3099011

Ever since accepting your invitation to move further north, Jenna has settled in marvelously in a small grove near your new estate. You visit her one day to see that she has used her druidi magic to influence the area into a wonderful new home, with the trees bending and shaping to form a natural roof over her head, almost like a gazebo. A small pond provides clean water to drink and to bathe, and her bed consists of a pile of soft-looking leaves and ferns. Mushrooms, fruits and other edibles grow freely all around, planeted by her and encouraged to grow with her magic.

You enter her new sanctum as she is giving her small p'orc friend Hamlet a bath, washing his round little head even though he protests, claiming, "I'm a p'orc! We're not meant to be clean! We're dirty and we LIKE it that way!"

"Oh, shush," she says, cupping some water and pouring it over his head. She looks up as you enter, alerted to your presence by the chirping of some of her songbird friends. "Oh, hello Mary! Isn't this place beautiful? I've always wanted to move further north, into the elven lands. There's simply more magic in the earth in a place like this."

"You're very welcome," you say, kneeling alongside her. "And of course, you needn't seclude yourself in this little glade. You are welcome to visit any time you like; our doors will always be open for you."

She blushes. "Oh, I don't doubt that. I must admit, living near you and that handsome Ben is quite fetching..."

You return her warm smile, but you are not here to discuss pleasure. "I must ask you a favor, Jenna."

"Oh?"

"A group of amazons led by a barbarian demigod are going to storm the swamp to challenge the undead army that attacked Youngwater. They are my allies, and I want you to help guide them through the swamp and protect them. The amazonian shamans are powerful, but they are still foreign to this land and its magic. I am hoping you will act as a balancing medium for their magic so they can adapt and help the barbarian destroy the dragons and the undead."

Jenna sits up. "Oh, my. That's quite a task..." She thinks for a moment, then looks up with a confident nod. "I'll do it. Those vile undead deserve it after what they have done to profane nature, and learning from amazon shamans is an opportunity I cannot pass up! Perhaps I can teach them a thing or two as well?"

"I knew you would be up to the task," you say with a smile. "And afterwards, of course, we'll have a proper celebration."

"I'm looking forward to that," she says, leaning in close. Just then, Hamlet splashes and tries to get out of the pond, but Jenna holds him in place. "No, no! You are going to be cleaned, mister!"

You stand up and excuse yourself as you slip out of the glade, leaving her to her difficult task.

>Supremia seducing Talindra
>Merriam's friends
>Captain Eristan and the Queen's Avarice
>The wild elf scouts in Wineleath

>>3099038
>Supremia seducing Talindra

>>3099038
>The wild elf scouts in Wineleath

>>3099038
>>Supremia seducing Talindra

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>>3099057
>>3099060

After stopping off in Wineleah to deliver your instructions to the wild elves you have kept hidden in Wineleah, sending them northeast to assist in the coming attack on Binulia, you travel north to Youngwater. Though still not fully recovered from the sudden undead invasion earlier this month, you know that Kaylessa's sister Talindra has been hard at work aiding in the efforts to rebuild the community. It has been hard work, with little reward so far, and it is into this situation that you added the master thief in your pocket, Supremia.

With your brand upon her and the appearance and memories of her sister Alicia, you were easily able to set her upon the task you desired: seducing Talindra. You left her up to her own devices, and Supremia performed her task with all the precision and expertise that she would implement in one of her heists; only this time, the goal was to steal someone's heart. She began with a string of thefts around the town that nobody could solve, frustrating the guard captain. Then, they became more personal, targeting people around her, before suddenly the stolen objects began turning up in her home.

This was not done to frame her, but to get her attention. Knowing that this thief was playing a game with her, Talindra began actively hunting her, but Supremia was always one step ahead, leaving cryptic messages and letters. When Talindra finally reached her limit, when her frustration became too great, Supremia revealed herself to her, and finally stole the prize she was after: Talindra's heart. After all, she had returned everything she had taken; it had all been a game, and Talindra had fallen into Supremia's tangled web.

With Talindra now subject to your influence through Supremia, you need only decide what to do with her.

>She and her elven warriors will assist Krom and the Amazons target the undead
>Secure a contract for wood to be used in rebuilding Youngwater with Cutter Mill; major profits for the Cutter family
>Supremia and Talindra will travel to the capital to assist you there
>Continue to focus on rebuilding and protecting Youngwater
>Other

>>3099138
>She and her elven warriors will assist Krom and the Amazons target the undead

>>3099138
>>Supremia and Talindra will travel to the capital to assist you there

>>3099138
>Supremia and Talindra will travel to the capital to assist you there

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>>3099143
>>3099163

Supremia and Talindra will travel to the capital. Once there, they will assist you in whatever capacity you deem is best suited to them. They will depart immediately, and will arrive there roughly a day prior to the ball in which you will confront Mordrax.

>Merriam's friends
>Captain Eristan and the Queen's Avarice

>>3099177
>>Merriam's friends

>>3099177
>Merriam's friends

>>3099177
>Merriam's friends

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>>3099186
>>3099192
>>3099209

Having secured an enrollment for Helen and Sybeth at the Alakaz Academy through use of old connections, you have moved both them as well as the pair Aurelia and Nathaniel to the capital. While you plan on sending the latter two away to the far east for training, for now they will remain as they can be of some use to you. With the four of them enroute, you consider where they will best be placed during the attack.

>The four of them will be at the Alakaz Academy, dealing with whatever minions Mordrax will send to take over the school
>They will be on the streets, helping the people
>Position them at the docks, to assist your units there
>They will assist the Witch Hunter and his organization
>Other

>>3099233
>>The four of them will be at the Alakaz Academy, dealing with whatever minions Mordrax will send to take over the school
they can be a regular scooby squad.

>>3099233
>The four of them will be at the Alakaz Academy, dealing with whatever minions Mordrax will send to take over the school

>>3099233
>The four of them will be at the Alakaz Academy, dealing with whatever minions Mordrax will send to take over the school

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>>3099238
>>3099239
>>3099246

The Alakaz Academy will be the prime place for them. Their combined talents should allow them to deal with whatever plans Mordrax has for the school during his coup. They'll be settled in and ready for when the time comes.

Finally, there is Captain Jean Lamont Eristan and his ship, the Queen's Avarice. Already positioned at the docks of the capital, and with your recent reunion further cementing his willingness to assist you, you need only consider what to do with him. You travel to the capital in disguise and meet with him on his ship, prepared to discuss what needs to happen.

>Captain Eristan will smuggle in the units of the Witch Hunter and his organization
>Captain Eristan will use his ship to help get people to safety during the attack
>Captain Eristan and his ship will work with the Fist of Urist to attack any enemies from the sea
>Captain Eristan will secure an invitation to the ball and join you there
>Other

>>3099272
>Captain Eristan will smuggle in the units of the Witch Hunter and his organization
>Captain Eristan and his ship will work with the Fist of Urist to attack any enemies from the sea

>>3099272
>>Captain Eristan will smuggle in the units of the Witch Hunter and his organization

>>3099275
>>3099277

Captain Eristan will prove invaluable in smuggling in the assets of the Witch Hunter and his organization. With the captain's credibility and experience, none of the port officials will be any the wiser.

You leave the Queen's Avarice with the instructions delivered to the captain and depart from the mortal plane, traveling back to Aran. With your final preparations nearly complete, there are only a few more things to handle before focusing on your next objective: the tomb of the ancient human lord.

>The Flesh Pits
>Xerro, Usai and the Greenspawn
>Vorkath, your royal guard and the Shadow Ants
>Oni and the Shadoblins

>>3099336
>Xerro, Usai and the Greenspawn

>>3099336

I don't even remember Oni and the Shadoblins. Recap?

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>>3099357

Last thread, we were able to refine a small amount of the necrotic essence into a more pure product. We used it to turn all of the ogres into oni and a decent chunk of the goblins into shadoblins.

>>3099336
>Xerro, Usai and the Greenspawn

>>3099372
I wish we had some left for Xerro and the Grren Dragon spawn.

>>3099393
We did in fact save one last vial of the essence.

>>3099336
>>Xerro, Usai and the Greenspawn

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>>3099342
>>3099389
>>3099427

Paying a visit to the hatchery, you see that it has been expanded somewhat. Working with Sheldrake, a large section underneath the Umbral Citadel has been converted into a more habitable area for the greenspawn, complete with swamp-like terrain. Through use of magic, their growth has been accelerated, and Usai has used his blood connection with them to keep them under control.

"The problem is that they are still quite feral," he explains to you. Nearby, Speelock rides upon the back of one of the raptor beasts, trying to direct it where to go. "The magic has made them bigger but without time to properly reign them in, they're still slaves to their baser instincts."

"What of the proper dragon hybrid? The green and black one? That hasn't been tampered with at all, has it?"

"As per your instruction, no."

"Good. That is the only one I want to grow completely naturally. But I have only a few days before confronting my old master. What to do with these others?"

Usai steps forth. "If I may... they need more time. Sending them out now would just release them and they would run wild. If you give me and the little one time to properly train them, which we can't do in just a few days, then you can use them for all sorts of things in the future, even breeding more of them."

You run your hand over your chin and consider his words.

>Keep the greenspawn in the hatchery; they won't be sent out to fight
>They will be released in the countryside of Binulia as an additional distraction
>We'll use them on the capital and hope they attack Mordrax's men
>Send them back to the swamp to distract their mother, giving Krom and his amazons a surprise advantage
>Other

>>3099481
>>Keep the greenspawn in the hatchery; they won't be sent out to fight

>>3099481
>>Keep the greenspawn in the hatchery; they won't be sent out to fight

>>3099481
>>Keep the greenspawn in the hatchery; they won't be sent out to fight

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>>3099496
>>3099529
>>3099579

Had to take care of some groceries, back now.

>===

"Very well. Keep them here, for now. I want to make use of them in the long-term, so I will take you for your word. Just ensure that when they are ready, they truly are ready. Is that understood?"

"Yes, my queen," he says with a bow.

You look over as Speelock is dragged behind one of the greenspawn while the small kobold desperately attempts to hold onto the reigns, all the while kicking and screaming for the creature to stop.

In the back of the hatchery is the nest of the hybrid dragon, the only pure and undiluted draconic being of the cluster. The creature is currently asleep, curled up in a cute little ball of green and black scales. Kneeling alongside it, you gently get its head and whisper, "Grow up big and strong, little dragon."

It opens its eyes and looks up at you, mewling lightly in an almost yawn-like manner, before going back to sleep.

Leaving the hatchery behind, you travel back up into the Umbral Citadel, prepared for your next asset review.

>The Flesh Pits
>Vorkath, your royal guard and the Shadow Ants
>Oni and the Shadoblins

>>3099681
>>The Flesh Pits

>>3099681
>>The Flesh Pits

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>>3099683
>>3099746

In the short time since the Flesh Pits were made active and fed the genetic material, the results have been astounding. Fed by the blood of the dead and willingly sacrificed, several of your minions and cultists have overseen the work, which has produced a small but strong force in a small amount of time.

You have created ninety-eight humans, generic beings that emerge fully grown with easily programmable brains. These easily-manipulated and influenced infantile minds are ripe for exploitation in a number of ways, but though the humans are the most numerous, they are far from the most interesting.

Your hybrid species combining the blood of centaurs and greenspawn has produced a new reptillian species, with the torso of a lizardman and four legs below, not unlike that of a komodo or a drake. These creatures carry the bloodlust of their centaurian parents along with the cunning wickedness of the greenspawn. The largest of your grown copies, you currently only have forty-two of them.

Despite the impressive qualities possessed by the drakkoths, you are more interested in your new warrior clones. Combining the genetic material of an amazon and a night elf, and substituting bits of flesh where needed, you have successfully created a clan of warrior women who worship you as their god and mother. Which, of course, you are. With the musculature of an amazon and the lithe qualities of the night elves, combined with their natural talents in lunar magic and shamanism, these beings are truly worthy of being called your daughters. Currently, you have seventy-three of these powerful servants.

Needless to say, you are very pleased with the results. But what to do with them?

>Keep them in Aran for training and conditioning
>You will split them up and assign them different tasks
>They will all help in the attack on Binulia
>You will use them to help Krom and his army
>Other

>>3099787
>>You will use them to help Krom and his army

>>3099808

The clones will aid Krom. With them and the amazons under his command, he will surely have a force that will take up the entirety of the undead army's attention. After seeing that your newest minions are properly armed and trained, you move on.

>Vorkath, your royal guard and the Shadow Ants
>Oni and the Shadoblins

>>3099903
>Vorkath, your royal guard and the Shadow Ants

>>3099903
>>Vorkath, your royal guard and the Shadow Ants

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>>3099904
>>3099905

Checking in with Vorkath and your royal guard, you are pleased to see that the shades are able to command the aranian ants and have done so to a degree so as to turn them into mounts. With your royal guard a hundred strong with a thousand more in training, which each of the hundred in charge of training ten more shades, you truly have a force to be reckoned with.

As you stand upon a balcony alongside Faye, with Sheldrake and the Red One behind, you overlook the training of your dedicated soldiers. Incorporating the giant ants into their regimen, the two species work in tandem in an almost symbiotic-like relationship, brought about by their mutual understanding and minor telepathic link through their similar shadowy origins. It pleases you greatly to see the fruits of your plots growing from the seeds you planted; everything from taking the initial queen ant to taking over Aran has led to this moment and this army.

>Your royal guard will remain in Aran to protect it
>Your royal guard, like the Kenku, will be on standby for when you need to summon them
>Send your royal guard to help Krom
>Send your royal guard to assist in the attack on Binulia
>Other

>>3099944
>Your royal guard, like the Kenku, will be on standby for when you need to summon them

>>3099944
>Your royal guard, like the Kenku, will be on standby for when you need to summon them

>>3099944
>>Your royal guard, like the Kenku, will be on standby for when you need to summon them

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>>3099951
>>3099954
>>3099955

Finally, your oni and your shadoblins. In addition to their stark increase in intelligence ever since going through the refined shadow essence, they have displayed an increased affinity towards dark magic. The oni in particular are growing more and more powerful, led by the now cunning Gezug, who is no longer the dull childlike brute he was when you met him. The shadoblins, though still outnumbered by their normal kin, have quickly taken them over in a kind of social heiarchy, though the oni are lording over them as well.

Though few in number, the oni are poised to expand. As one of your creations, they see themselves as superior to most of the other beings in Aran, and give praise to you as their creator and goddess, so at least they aren't going against your interests. Still, their physical and magical qualities are intimidating, and the oni have quickly muscled their way into positions of influence around Aran, though currently mostly confined to the goblin quarter.

It has been suggested by some of your human lieutenants that the oni could prove dangerous if they were to ever gain ambitions of their own. Yet they make for fine minions due to their power.

>The oni and shadoblins shall remain in Aran
>The oni and shadoblins shall assist the centaurs in the attack on Binulia
>The oni and shadoblins shall remain with your royal guard and kenku for when you need to call them
>Use magic to permanently enslave the oni to your will to ensure they cannot rebel
>Other

>>3100020
>>The oni and shadoblins shall remain with your royal guard and kenku for when you need to call them
>>Mark Gezug, as the alpha does so shall the other Oni

>>3100020
>The oni and shadoblins shall remain with your royal guard and kenku for when you need to call them

>>3100077
>>>Mark Gezug, as the alpha does so shall the other Oni
A good idea. Any backers?

>>3100020
>>The oni and shadoblins shall remain with your royal guard and kenku for when you need to call them
>>Mark Gezug, as the alpha does so shall the other Oni

>>3100088
Sure.

>>3100020
>The oni and shadoblins shall remain with your royal guard and kenku for when you need to call them

> Seduce and mark Gezug and whomever is second in power behind him to bind them to your will

See if Fay wants to get in on taking some Oni dick.

>>3100088
sure

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>>3100077
>>3100089
>>3100148
>>3100168
>>3100219

Gezug is loyal, and moreso than that, lustful for you. He will accept your brand as easily as Bruut. After branding Gezug in a small ceremony where he pledges his fealty to you, you dismiss him and turn towards your twin.

"This is it," you say to her.

"What is?"

"All of my preparations are complete." You approach a nearby wall, upon which you have posted several scrolls with various writings: research findings, objectives, maps, lists and more. You run your hand across its surface. "After so long, I stand upon the brink of achieving that which I desire more than anything else... revenge."

Faye walks up behind you and slips her arms around your waist, kissing the back of your neck. "I can hardly wait to be there with you to see it through!"

You pause for a moment. "There is one last thing I need to do before I depart for the tomb."

"What is it?"

You turn around and look at her. "All of this started when I was exiled. During that time, I didn't know what I would find or where I would go. I met someone who helped me, and I think I need to give them my thanks." Stepping away from her, you fold your arms and inform her, "I need you to gather Ben, Merriam, Alex, Kaylessa and Bargum. Have them all be ready for my return. Oh, and remember, Alex is my son Phillip now; your nephew."

She gives you a thumbs-up. "Got it."

"I won't be long."

Not long afterwards, on the outskirts of Bridge Town, you approach a small home and knock on the door. It opens and you step inside, over a reanimated undead cat that scampers to avoid your feet. Elder Grey and her husband sit within, next to a small fireplace. Not far away from them is the burning lantern containing the demon of vengeance the coven of hags attempted to bond you with.

"Elder," you say, giving her a small bow as you take her wrinkled hand in your own. "I have come to say thank you."

"That's rather odd of you," she says with a thin smile. "I didn't think you were the type."

"I have grown and learned much, and after all that has happened, the value of that night we met cannot be measured. You were the first person I met after I was exiled and you took me in, however briefly, and allowed me to lay the foundations of where I am now."

"All I did was help a lost soul."

"And I shall never forget it."

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>>3100229

Old Man Grey leans forward, his large beard and bushy eyebrows wriggling in consternation. "I take it the time has come?"

"In merely a few days, I shall confront my former master as he attempts to take over the kingdom. I am the only one who can stop him."

He nods. "Yes... I know. I've seen it. The battle in the ballroom..."

"You have seen how it ends?"

He shakes his head. "No. Only that it is coming. Fate is narrowing down like water twisting into a drain; everything is pointing towards this moment. Mordrax knows it as well, but not that you are coming. He is blinded by his ambition."

"Good," you say with a dark grin. "Let him be blind to all that transpires around him... it will be all the easier to stab him in the back."

Elder Grey takes your hand in hers. "Go and do what you know must be done, and become what you were always meant to be."

"I shall," you assure her. With one final thank-you, you depart from her home and step into the forest to gather yourself. It is during this moment you hear a familiar noise and sense an aura you have felt before. The cawing of a nearby crow draws your attention, and you smile. "Eremba..."

The crow spirit hops down onto a nearby branch. "I was worried you were dead," he says to you.

"I was. I got better."

"I fled your corpse, fearing that those who took you would find me. I returned here, to the forest."

"You did the right thing," you assure him, holding out your hand. He leaps onto your palm. "It is no mistake that I am here to collect you. Destiny is stacking the cards in my deck. Together, we shall achieve my revenge."

The crow spirit lets out another resounding cry as he vanishes, rejoining your body. You close your fist and smile, before vanishing in place.

Now, all that lies ahead is claiming whatever lost power lies in the tombs of the ancient human lord and the Demiurge, and then... Mordrax.

>Give me a series of 1d100 rolls!

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>3100232

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3100232

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3100232

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3100232

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>3100232
FFFIGHT

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>3100232

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>>3100237
>>3100240
>>3100244
>>3100254
>>3100269
>>3100293

With your companions gathered, you travel to the location of the tomb of the ancient human lord, your ancestor. After a day's travel and exploration, you arrive at the location, far to the north of lands you have travelled up until now. The area is desolate and devoid of civilization; only the occasional ancient ruins dot the landscape.

"Is that it, over there?" Ben asks, pointing at a pair of pillars covered in moss.

You check your map. "No, we need to travel just a bit father."

Bargum looks up. "Aye. Plus, those ruins there aren't old enough to be what we're lookin' for. Those are post-darkness."

"How can you tell?" Merriam asks, looking over from her seat in the carriage.

Alex holds up a history text. "It's all written down! The ruins of the first human civilizations are so old, they've been built on top of each other several times over the course of the last ten thousand years."

Ben looks over his shoulder at them; he is seated in the front with you. "Then how do we know that whatever we're looking for in this place hasn't been looted?"

You smile and put a hand over his. "Because none of them know the way to properly open the front door. I do."

Bargum scratches the top of his head. "That's going to be impressive if true."

"You'll see," you say, and then suddenly you tell Ben to stop the horses. "There."

He follows your pointing finger to a small hill. "Where? I don't see anything. No ruins, no nothing."

"Precisely," you say, taking out your map and your notes. As you and the others depart from your transport, you explain, "I compiled several texts about expeditions in search of the human lord's tomb, but all of them were distracted by other ruins that turned out to be from later civilizations. They were too busy looking with their eyes instead of with their brains."

You lead them over to a hole in the ground that leads to a set of stones that are somewhat arranged like stairs. "The ancient humans, after the war with the elves, were devastated. They couldn't create giant tombs with great pillars and walls. Coupled with the passage of time, we have this: a simple hole in the ground beneath this ancient burial mound."

"Makes sense," Kaylessa notes, looking around with his bow in hand. "A lot of the oldest elven ruins are much the same. The further back you go, the simpler they get."

Ben nods. "Alright. If you're sure this is the place."

"Absolutely," you reply, taking a step onto the stone stairs and descending. "Come, right this way..."

>Give me another set of 1d100s, please.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>3100388

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3100388

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3100388

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>3100388

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>3100388

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>>3100405
>>3100409
>>3100412
>>3100429
>>3100522

As you enter the ancient hall, whose stones are lined with foliage and cobwebs, you see a door up ahead. Raising your hand and casting a simple spell of light, you and your allies carefully approach it. The door is old, very old, with few discerning markings or even a handle. Build of solid metal of an unknown origin, you brazenly step forward and place your hand upon it.

"Behind this door is the tomb of the first human to lead his kind in war against the elves," you tell them. "My ancestor. The father of the first half-elf in history."

Kaylessa approaches, clearly using his elven senses to search for a way inside. "So, is there a spell?"

"Not a spell," you reply, taking out a small knife; not the bloodletting blade you have hidden within your robes. "The ancient humans believed that blood would always tell the truth. Their first uses of magic were in ways the elves never anticipated; coming from the moon, they never imagined using blood as a component for rituals. But humans did."

Slicing your finger, you draw some blood and wipe it across the surface of the door. Everyone watches and then suddenly steps back as a loud clicking noise is heard. Strange gears all around the door begin to move, propelled by some force as the door rumbles and begins to slide open.

"Magic and technology," you whisper with a smile. "Truly, they were advanced for their time."

Bargum advances as you stand before the rising door. "So, ye were able to open it because ye share blood with the one buried here?"

"Indeed," you reply, wiping your finger on a small rag before handing it to Merriam. You kneel down next to Alex, who casts a healing spell on it. You thank him with a kiss to the forehead before you proceed into the tomb proper.

The chamber is not very large, and as you shine your light upon the area you take in all of its details. There are several open sarcophagi that line the walls with ancient suits of armor, now worn only by skeletons. Silent guardians buried with their lord, standing vigil over his tomb, which you now lay eyes upon.

It is a stone coffin set upon a raised dais along the far wall. It is not ornate, nor covered in markings; simple, grey and flat. As you and your companions enter the chamber, Faye remarks, "Not very fancy, is it?"

"That's the point," you tell her. "If this tomb was known as the grandest and greatest in all of history, it would have been found and looted a hundred times over by now. We are here precisely because these men lived their lives by duty and honor."

"Isn't there another tomb underneath this one?" Merriam asks.

"Yes. And I think I know where its entrance is," you say, looking at the lord's coffin.

>Search the room thoroughly for traps
>Proceed towards the coffin and open it
>Study the walls for writing and knowledge
>Have one of your allies step forward to inspect the coffin
>Other

>>3100631
>Study the walls for writing and knowledge

>>3100631
>>Study the walls for writing and knowledge

>>3100631
>Search the room thoroughly for traps

>>3100652
change to
>Study the walls for writing and knowledge

>>3100631
>>Search the room thoroughly for traps

>>3100658
why would there be traps if its not a grand and greatest in all of history? could learn more from whats around the tomb.

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>>3100639
>>3100646
>>3100657

Your group slowly spreads out and begins to inspect the area. You approach one of the nearby walls and brush away an old cobweb, shining your light upon it.

"Alex, come here," you say, summoning him to your side. You lift him up and show him what you are looking at: a series of old, rusty gears built into the walls in a complex network. "Amazing that the ancient humans had this kind of knowledge, isn't it?"

"They could do things with it that we still haven't figured out today," he says. "The history texts say that they had entire armies of automata--artificial beings of metal that made up their armies."

"Indeed they did," you say, not mentioning that you have seen these armies in the visions of your moon elf ancestor. "What do you suppose all of these do?"

"They're over here, too," Faye calls out. She is standing with Ben and Merriam as they inspect one of the walls.

"The entire chamber is lined with them," Kaylessa notes. He looks up at the corners of the semi-circular chamber and sees the many gears.

Bargum runs a finger through his beard. "I think I've seen this kind of setup before... Later human ruins tried to emulate this design. This chamber is meant to move."

You nod. "I agree... In fact, I think it is meant to descend into the lower tomb." Studying the walls, you note that several of the gears bear markings and symbols. "What do you suppose these mean?"

"Part identification, perhaps?" the astute boy suggests. "Or they might signify some kind of pattern they need to be activated by?"

You smile as it clicks. "It is indeed a pattern," you say, patting him on the head. "Some of these gears are levers with small handles. They need to be turned in the proper order."

Finding the four levers hidden amongst the gears, you position Bargum, Ben, Kaylessa and Merriam at them while you, Alex and Faye stand near the center of the chamber. After studying the symbols, you discern the order in which to pull them based on the number of markings per gear.

As they pull their levers in sequence, the gears around the chamber begin to turn. A rumbling is heard and the floor begins to shake lightly, a reverberation that runs throughout the entire structure. The others all move away from the walls and approach you as the chamber begins to lower downwards, leaving the front entrance behind. One of the armored figures falls forward, his helmet rolling across the floor.

>Everyone get ready; defensive pose and shield spells up
>Everyone take cover and hide
>Ride the chamber downwards and see where it goes
>Open the coffin of the human lord
>Other

>>3100752
>>Everyone get ready; defensive pose and shield spells up

>>3100752
>>Ride the chamber downwards and see where it goes

>>3100752
>Everyone get ready; defensive pose and shield spells up

>>3100752
>Ride the chamber downwards and see where it goes

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>>3100762
>>3100764
>>3100768
>>3100771

"Everyone, eyes up and shields, too," you say, and they gather close. Merriam, with her minor mastery of abjuration, along with Alex's use of holy magic, allows everyone to be covered in a defensive field of magic. Ben holds up his shield in front of him, his eyes darting around nervously as Bargum creates a holy rune of protection. Kaylessa stands by with his bow in hand, at the ready, while you and Faye merely stand in the middle of them all and wait.

The chamber lowers and the doorway you came through initially now opens up to reveal a lower floor of the structure. You approach it and step into the larger chamber.

"The tomb of the Demiurge," you whisper to the others as they filter through behind you. "The first human mage in all of history..."

This chamber is larger and more impressive, but only because it was clearly built to keep the Demiurge buried forever. The walls are covered in ancient runes and lined with pillars containing strange hieroglyphic-like writing. Great slabs of stone line the floors, creating an almost maze-like pattern to navigate towards the center, where the Demiurge's resting place can be found.

"This is more what I thought of when you said we would be exploring an ancient tomb," Ben admits, looking around at the many dark corners and strange passageways. "How big is this place?"

"The Demiurge was a being of immense power who threatened to take over all of mankind," you explain as you approach a nearby brazier and light it up with a fire spell. The ancient oil still burns well enough. "The research I conducted indicated that his coffin was designed to never be opened, forever trapping his remains. This is why the human lord placed his tomb as the entrance to this grand chamber, to forever watch over the Demiurge and ensure he would never rise again."

Alex swallows. "Do you think their spirits yet linger?"

You put a steadying hand on his shoulder. "I suppose we'll find out, won't we?"

>Inspect the coffin of the human lord
>Approach the resting place of the Demiurge
>Search the chamber for artifacts and traps
>Reach out with your magic and try to sense power
>Other

>>3100833
>Inspect the coffin of the human lord
>Reach out with your magic and try to sense power

>>3100833
>>Inspect the coffin of the human lord

>>3100833
>Inspect the coffin of the human lord
>Reach out with your magic and try to sense power

>>3100833
>>Inspect the coffin of the human lord

>Reach out with your magic and try to sense power

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>>3100841
>>3100854
>>3100861
>>3100871

While the others begin to inspect the larger tomb, carefully making their way around and not touching anything, you take Ben with you back into the human lord's coffin chamber and instruct him to open the sarcophagus. Eager to prove his strength, particularly after his embarassing experience taking on Krom, Ben approaches the coffin and places his gloved hands upon the surface and pushes as hard as he can. However, it does not budge. Folding your arms, you tap your foot on the floor and wait.

Ben tries again, giving it his all, but unfortunately the stone lid continues to not yield. Ben hangs his head low. "I may need some, ah, help." He clears his throat and avoids eye contact.

"Don't be so down, Ben," you say, placing a hand on his shoulder and another on his chest. "You're not still upset about Krom, are you?"

"No," he insists, though he continues to avoid looking you in the eye.

You smirk and call in Bargum. The stocky dwarf takes up position alongside Ben and they both try to push it open, to no avail. You place a hand under your chin and wonder aloud, "Perhaps it also has a mechanism to open it?"

"No, it doesn't!" Ben insists, pushing on it without Bargum's help.

"Ben, don't hurt yourself," you say, but then all of a sudden the lid begins to move. Your eyes go wide as Ben lets out a mighty grunt and pushes the lid completely off with a burst of strength and motivation.

"There," he says as he pants. "I told you..."

"Well done," you congratulate him as you approach the now-open coffin. You hold out your hand and try to sense some kind of power, and you discover something radiating with power inside.

A lone skeleton lies within the coffin, holding a sword to his chest. The man was not buried in kingly armor, merely a robe, and a few tatters of it yet cling to the ancient bones. You look down upon the sword, covered in a fine layer of dust. Much like the tomb and the lord who was buried in it, the sword is not ornate. It is a longsword of practical appearance and design, with a dark hilt of black leather.

Yet you can tell through the dust that it is in immaculate condition. Somehow it has neither rust nor a dulled edge, nor has any other part of it tarnished or faded, even the hilt. Ten thousand years old and still as effective as the day it was forged. You hover your hand over it, not quite touching it, and feel a great power contained within, an enchantment that has no doubt gone a long way to making it last as long as it has.

>Pick it up and examine it
>Have Ben pick it up
>Leave it where it lies for now
>Attempt to use magic to learn its power
>Other

>>3100952
>Attempt to use magic to learn its power

>>3100952
>Attempt to use magic to learn its power

>>3100952
>Other

Examine the sarcophagus for curses or warnings.

>>3100980
Supporting

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>>3100980
>>3100999

As Ben and Bargum look on, you carefully inspect the interior of the sarcophagus for any hints or clues--potential curses or warnings. However, you discover that the interior matches the exterior in that it is featureless and without any kind of writing to be found.

>>3100956
>>3100964

You shift your attention back upon the sword. Hovering your hand over it, you attempt to discern its power. You know just from its aura that some manner of enchantment lies upon the blade, but of what?

>1d100 to test it!

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>3101013
>3101013

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>3101013

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3101013

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3101013

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>>3101015
>>3101019
>>3101020
>>3101022

You close your eyes and once more concentrate on unlocking the secret of the sword, only to lightly touch a finger to its surface--causing you no small amount of stinging pain. You withdraw it and give a small gasp as realization floods through you.

The sword was designed to kill mages. It makes sense, considering the elves were the ones to first use magic against the humans; once they figured out how to use magic themselves, they would have figured out a means to enchant their weapons and armor to be protected against it. Much like the enchantment upon Ben's shield that allows it to resist magic, but this blade has a power so much more potent than any you have ever encountered. You cannot even touch this sword; it is utterly anthema to those who wield magic.

"Ben, pick this up," you instruct him.

Carefully, he wraps his hand around the hilt and lifts it up, holding the blade to the light. "It's so well balanced," he says, feeling it. He looks at the edge and says, "And sharp, too."

"Very sharp," you whisper, looking at the way the light plays upon its metal surface, "and powerful..."

Ben's brow furrows. "This belonged to the human lord, didn't it? Their leader." You nod. "Incredible... I'm in honest awe of it."

Bargum walks around and looks up at it. "Quite the find, I'd say. There some magic to it?"

"There is. It is a mage-slaying weapon, the most potent I've ever encountered, to the point where me merely grazing it with a finger was painfully stinging. It must be how he defeated the moon elf and the Demiurge."

Ben looks from the blade to you. "Mage slaying? You mean, like... Mordrax?"

"Precisely like Mordrax," you reply with a growing smile.

>We've got what we need. Let's leave.
>I want to inspect the resting place of the Demiurge
>Let's search the rest of the tomb for anything useful
>Perhaps we can use this sword to break the seal on the Demiurge's tomb
>Other

>>3101033
>I want to inspect the resting place of the Demiurge
>Let's search the rest of the tomb for anything useful

>>3101033
>I want to inspect the resting place of the Demiurge

>>3101033
>>I want to inspect the resting place of the Demiurge
>>Let's search the rest of the tomb for anything useful

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>>3101035
>>3101036
>>3101037

Turning towards the Demiurge's tomb, you inform them that you wish to inspect it further. Proceeding out of the human lord's resting place and back into the larger chamber, you walk past the others and down into the primary resting area of the first human mage. His tomb, placed at the heart of massive stone slabs covered in strange runes, is wrapped in chains and bound by iron bands. Several weights are placed upon its surface, including a metal statue of a kneeling human with a familiar sword in his hand. The statue gives the apperance of a noble-looking man eternally kneeling upon the coffin, staring down at it, ready to plunge his sword within at a moment's notice.

"Fascinating," you say, walking around the sarcophagus. "To go to such lengths to bury one man... he must have been incredibly powerful."

Faye whistles in agreement. "You'd think that the first human mage wouldn't be very good at magic. He must've been a legendary savant, a master before all others."

The others linger nearby, but suddenly Kaylessa's ears perk up. "Something just made a noise," he says, looking down one of the halls formed by the stone slabs. Everyone raises their weapons and turns in that direction.

You hear it now as well, a strange scraping noise, like something metal being dragged upon the stone floor. You and all of the others watch as a metal figure emerges from around the corner. Humanoid, rusted in many places, and missing several components with exposed gears and wires. It looks like an armored man, but it is a machine, and its movements are stiff and somewhat disjointed.

"What is that thing?" Ben asks.

"An automaton..." Alex whispers, shocked at the sight of an actually working specimen of ancient human technology and engineering.

The sight alone would be enough, but then it speaks, in a low voice that is slow and monotone in nature. Its question is simple and straightfoward: "Who are you?"

>Walk forward and introduce yourself
>Send someone else forward to speak on the group's behalf
>Attack it and attempt to disable it
>Walk forward and instead ask it some questions of your own
>Other

>>3101077
>Walk forward and introduce yourself

>>3101077
>Walk forward and introduce yourself

>>3101077
>>Walk forward and introduce yourself

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>>3101091
>>3101106
>>3101118

Walking forward ahead of the others, you approach the strange mechanical golem with caution. Still, you stare him in the eyes of his helm and say, "I am Mary." Looking him over from top to bottom, you then ask him, "Who are you?"

The construct is silent for a moment, almost like he is processing your response and question. When he does speak, he ignores your question and instead poses another of his own: "Are you human?"

>Yes.
>Well, mostly.
>What is your purpose here?
>Do you remember the war?
>Other

>>3101131
>>Well, mostly.
I'm also a decendent of the demiurge.

>>3101131
>Yes.
For all practical purposes, we're human.

>>3101131
>>Well mostly.

>>3101133
>I'm also a decendent of the demiurge.
The human lord, not the Demiurge.

>>3101140
err yeah. that.

>>3101131
>Yes.

>>3101140
Yep. Tell him our blood unlocked the tomb too.

A new threat, a magician, has arisen.

>>3101152
>>3101140
Maybe not as terrible as the demiurge, but one capable of destroying our world as it is. If we don't defeat him, releasing the demiurge becomes a moot point.

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>>3101133
>>3101139
>>3101136
>>3101151
>>3101152

"Well, mostly."

The machine doesn't seem to understand.

"For all practical purposes, yes, I am human. I am also a descendant of the human lord whose tomb was built over this one. That is how I was able to open the entrance and be here now."

The machine's head tilts somewhat, then looks beyond you, focusing on Kaylessa. As the elf's ears perk up, the machine's faint white eyes turn red. "Elven presence detected."

The group moves to defend him as you hold up your hands, attempting to stop the automaton's sudden advance. "Waoh, woah, woah! The elves are no longer the problem!"

The machine stops and looks down at you. "Elves must be destroyed."

"Ah, but those were moon elves! That elf over there isn't a moon elf, he's a wild elf."

Kaylessa pipes up, "Half-wild half-high, actually."

You look over your shoulder. "Quiet!" You look back at the machine. "Now see here, I am a descendant of the human lord who commanded your armies. His blood runs through my veins. You should take your orders from me."

The machine once more appears to be processing your request. "Submit your blood for identification."

With a shrug, you take out your knife and cut the tip of your finger once more, before wiping it across his slightly rusty chest. After a few moments, the machine's eyes turn back to white. "Blood accepted. Orders confirmed. Standing down."

The group collectively breathes a sigh of relief, as does Kaylessa. "Thank you for that."

You look around the machine, walking around it a few times. "I don't think it could have done much to you. It's missing an arm and is terribly slow and out of shape."

Bargum approaches it. "Mm. Could use some body work, that's fer sure."

You stop in front of the machine and ask it, "What are you identified by? Your name?"

It tilts its head. "Units do not receive names."

"Ah, so they could build an army of machines but weren't imaginative enough to give them names."

Alex walks up, curious of the machine. "They probably sent them to war in waves of countless copies; names may have been redundant."

"I suppose that is a good point," you concede.

>Order it to come with you
>Leave it here
>Search the area for artifacts belonging to the Demiurge
>Ask it some questions
>Other

>>3101171
>Search the area for artifacts belonging to the Demiurge
>Ask it some questions

>>3101171
>Search the area for artifacts belonging to the Demiurge

>>3101171
>>Search the area for artifacts belonging to the Demiurge
>>Ask it some questions

How many of you are functional and ready for war?
what would you do if decedents of the human lord were up to no good? Would you follow their orders?

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>>3101174
>>3101181
>>3101182

As your group spreads out to search the area once more, you begin asking the machine some questions.

"How many of you are functional and ready for war?"

"I am the only footsoldier assigned to this post. There is one other unit, an inactive juggernaut."

Your eyes widen slightly. In your mind, you recall images from the memories of your ancestor of these juggernauts; larger than houses with the destructive capability to annihilate neighborhoods and beyond.

"You don't say... Show me where it is."

The machine turns and begins to walk slowly away. You follow it, with Alex and Bargum in tow.

"Do you still serve the humans?" you ask it.

"I was made to serve mankind."

"What would you do if mankind wasn't anything like it was when you were actively serving them?"

"I was made to serve mankind."

"Ah, you're a fantastic conversationalist," you deadpan.

"Mary!" Merriam's voice calls out from a nearby alcove. "Come and see this!"

You command the machine to follow and quickly move towards her. She is in a small chamber that is glowing bright blue. She stands transfixed upon an orb that hovers above a pedestal. It is obviously magical in nature, and is covered in strange runes.

"Step back," you warn her, taking her place in front of the artifact. "Bargum, do you recognize these runes?"

The runepriest advances and squints. "Not the language, nor the script, but the style is mighty familiar," he mutters. "If I had to guess, this was made to channel magic. Elven magic. But made by human hands, I can tell."

"How can you tell?"

"Too rough for elf work. Pretty fingers, pretty faces, pretty artifacts. This here's human work. Not quite as good as dwarf work, but acceptable."

"Is it dangerous?"

The machine finally catches up due to its limping, stilted nature. "It belonged to the Demiurge. All of his artifacts were buried near him, but not alongside him."

"What do you know of it?"

"It belonged to the Demiurge."

You roll your eyes. "Of course."

>Take the orb
>Search for other items
>Let me see the Juggernaut
>Attempt to use magic on the orb
>Other

>>3101218
>>Take the orb
Ask permission first.
>Search for other items

>>3101218
>Take the orb
>Search for other items

>>3101218
>Take the orb
>Search for other items
>Let me see the Juggernaut

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54 KB JPG

>>3101229
>>3101231
>>3101232

You reach forward and place both hands upon the orb, feeling the power radiating from it.

"Now this is truly the tool of a mage," you say with a broad smile. Unlike the sword, this doesn't harm you upon touch--if anything, it makes you feel stronger. "I've been in need of a new orb ever since I lost my old one... even though this one is considerably older, I have a feeling this one is considerably more powerful."

You search the rest of the tomb, but no other useful artifacts are found. There are old robes long since eaten away, a book with text that has faded and its pages mostly crumbled, and a set of rusted daggers that are useless. The orb was clearly the Demiurge's greatest tool, and now it is yours to use as you see fit.

Now you stand before the resting place of the Demiurge, and find yourself curious. To have bound his coffin with so many wards and seals, chains and bolts, weights and even a statue atop its lid, they must have been absolutely adamant about it never being opened--either from without or within.

Looking at the sword that Ben carries, you wonder if it could break the enchantments upon the tomb and let you take a look inside. Meeting Faye's eyes, you can see that she is thinking the same thing. She leans over and whispers, "What could be the harm? It is ten thousand years old. No mortal's magic, no matter how great, would allow his spirit to endure for that long, anchored to one spot. He's faded into the aether, or whatever afterlife was waiting for him."

"The machine says he wasn't buried with any of his belongings."

"So? It's just a machine. What does it know?"

Alex is nervous. "I don't know, Mary... I feel something strange. I've never felt a presence like the one I feel when I stand near this sarcophagus... I don't think we should open it... we may not be prepared for the consequences."

>Open the tomb
>Leave it be

>>3101604
>>Open the tomb.

>>3101604
>Open the tomb

>>3101604
>Leave it be

We got good gear, let's bounce.

>>3101608
>>3101616
Can I ask why you guys want to risk it? It was all but stated that basically he's going to wake up and fight us.

>>3101604
>Leave it be

>>3101622
It's been at least ten thousand years since he died and unlike our ancestor he wasn't just sealed away.
Even if he awakes he will be considerabely weakend.

>>3101622
maybe so but its been 10,000 years and the humans being so hateful probably wanted to make sure he didnt get out in his life time.

I agree with
3101616
3101608

>>3101622
Also, us being able to find this grave and open it means everyone else of our family can as well.
So if we don't open it someone else will.
And our family is neither small nor on good terms with us.

>>3101650
hmm, well can we at least try to examine the orb first?

>>3101604
>leave it.

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>>3101608
>>3101616
>>3101642

"Ben... step forward." He does so with the lord's sword in hand. You look at him and tell him, "Break the seal."

"Are you certain?" Alex asks, holding your hand tightly.

"We have found this tomb. It is only a matter of time before someone else does. I intend to leave no stone unturned for them."

Ben swallows as everyone takes up position. The machine silently stands off to one side, obeying your orders to do so. Raising the sword with both hands, Ben strikes at the tomb. As he does so, a magical seal breaks and a chain snaps off with a resounding clash that echoes throughout the underground chamber. He does this several more times, each time breaking another seal and physical binding. You watch with bated breath as he strikes it for a final time, destroying the lid of the sarcophagus and cracking it in half. The statue atop it breaks and shatters, falling to the floor in a spectacular display.

He quickly steps back from the open tomb, and for a moment there is only silence. A noise begins to grow, a strange resonance that you do not recognize. To your amazement, the interior of the coffin begins to glow purple, and a similarly-colored mist begins to rise from within.

'Could it be?' you wonder as you watch this haze take humanoid form. 'Could his spirit have actually endured?'

The figure is indistinct, with no facial features to be discerned, but is humanoid nonetheless. He speaks in an echoing voice that sounds at the same time slowed down and sped up, as if he is caught between dimensions of sight and sound.

"I am free," are his first words after ten millennia. He continues, "My body is dust and my anchor is broken... I shall fade. Do not let this happen, and you shall have my eternal gratitude."

>Let his spirit fade
>Attempt to capture his soul in a binding ritual
>Ask him what he needs for an anchor
>Ask him a question about something else
>Other

>>3101667
>Let his spirit fade
Its an obvious trap.

>>3101667
>Attempt to capture his soul in a binding ritual

>>3101667
>Ask him what he needs for an anchor